The Army’s canine soldiers, like six-year-old female Labrador Kent, continue to excel in detecting explosives and tracking terrorists. Kent was posthumously honoured with a gallantry award on Independence Day.
Kent, the Indian Army Dog (Photo credit: X/@ParveenKaswan)
New Delhi: Canines have been valuable assets in various Army operations, contributing significantly to the success of missions through their specialised skills. Kent was also one of them, and she was six years old when she was killed in an encounter. Her bravery and sacrifice were recognised when she was posthumously awarded a Presidential Gallantry award for her service to the country. Having participated in nine anti-terror operations, Kent was an invaluable member of her human pack.
Tragically, during a mission in Jammu last September, she was fatally shot. Despite the danger, Kent fearlessly led a group of soldiers to locate and confront terrorists in Rajouri, displaying unwavering courage in the face of danger. Kent’s remarkable bravery will always be remembered.
Meet Kent, the brave golden Labrador of the Indian Army
Kent was a lively and dedicated golden Labrador known for her exceptional ability to detect terrorists.
Kent, a specially trained tracker dog with Army number 08B2, played a vital role in her first operation in Poonch on November 14, 2022. Her unique skills and training proved invaluable as she supported the mission with her exceptional tracking abilities.
A brave soldier, Kent played a pivotal role in nine counter-terrorism operations with the Army. Her unwavering courage and exceptional skills endeared her to her fellow soldiers and earned her deep admiration from the Indian Army.
What happened to Kent?
Kent died while trying to protect her handler, who is now the Northern Army Commander and the current Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi. In the operation, two terrorists and one Army soldier were killed. Additionally, three other security personnel—a special police officer and two Army personnel—were injured during the encounter in Narla village.
Kent had led the charge in ‘Operation Sujaligala’. She was among the 39 Mention-in-Despatches or those whose names had been approved for gallantry.
Kent’s funeral had full military honours, including a tricolour draped over her body and a ceremonial wreath. Her service joined that of other brave canine heroes honoured for their bravery.
#WATCH | Indian Army dog Kent, a six-year-old female labrador of the 21 Army Dog Unit laid down her life while shielding its handler during the ongoing Rajouri encounter operation in J&K. Kent was leading a column of soldiers on the trail of fleeing terrorists. It came down under… pic.twitter.com/ZQADe50sWK
— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2023
Other past canine honourees
Canine honorees from the past include Mansi, a Labrador who received a posthumous award for her role in stopping a terrorist infiltration in Kashmir in 2015, and Axel, a Belgian Malinois who was killed by a terrorist in Baramulla in 2022.
Adoption
Unlike the US, which has a robust adoption programme, India faces challenges in adopting retired military dogs due to strict procedures. Many dogs end up spending their final years in shelters. Animal activists call for increased awareness and support for retired military canines.
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